The Sixth Sense Film Poster

The Sixth Sense (A psychological and supernatural horror, 1999 directed by M. Night Shyamalan

The Sixth Sense Font

On all horror film posters, we are aware that black and white are most commonly used for a specific purpose. The genuine meaning of black and white is Good vs. Evil, these are binary opposites that help to create a vision that black is horror and dark and white is purity or the unknown. ‘The Sixth Sense’ title is in a big font size, upper case and is white. Our first basic reaction as the target audience would be that it represents purity, but not always necessarily. The film is a psychological and supernatural horror film, and so it can also be interpreted as representing the unknown, mysterious and strange dilemmas. It portrays the supernatural conventions of using ghost-like, as if someone or something used chalk on a blackboard, giving it that haunted effect. There are gaps between each letter. Another interpretation of the reason for this (for those who have watched the film), can be related back to the narrative of the film. It looks like it has been written by a child, hence Cole who is the main protagonist in this film, thus it being Cole’s story.

Bruce Willis Font

For all those who have seen this film, would know that Bruce Willis plays a key part in the narrative of this movie. Again we the same continuing pattern of a white font that is upper case. This the strap line of the film poster, to help promote the film and gain more recognition because of the famous actor’s name. It can also indicate to the audience that, Bruce Willis could either be killed, the main victim that survives or a character that looks alive but possibly isn’t.

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It is in upper case; orange writing that is clearly visible and stands out against a black background. The use of the exclamation mark, suggests that it must be the number one thriller of all time, to show emphasis. The type of font, looks very similar to what you would find on an old blockbuster movie, this could link back to when the film was made in the 90’s and so the tradition film poster values of that time, would show on this film poster.

Image of Bruce Willis

The image of Bruce Willis is located on the lower right-hand side of the page. He is not looking directly into the camera, but instead above as if he is looking at someone or something that is maybe greater than him, reflecting on it being a supernatural and psychological horror. Bruce Willis in this film is the psychologist who helps the boy on the top corner of the page, Cole. Willis looks determined and eager to fight off whatever he is dealing with through looking at his facial expression. He is frowning his eyes as they look up giving an impression, which he is trying to think of a solution to solve the problem. His whole face has an orange shadowy effect, from the orange shadow in the corner. My interpretation is that, it is as if something unforeseen and strange is looking over him and watching him carefully and he is in total darkness on the page. This is in contrast to where Cole is on the page in position with that orange shadow.

Image of Cole

The image of Cole is located in the top left-hand corner next to the orange shadow. Going back to the previous point about Cole and Willis’s position towards the orange shadow, Cole is at the same level same the orange shadow, which is like a fire (represent death?), the supernatural, mystical, and the unknown. Cole looks like he is looking over everyone, as he has the ability to have the connection with the other side. This Cole may also be looking over Willis, which is odd as he is the one who is trying to help Cole. Even though, Cole is the main protagonist in the film, and normally the main character is portrayed by an adult, Cole is just a child, thus showing the typical elements of a young boy on this film poster. He shows himself to be quite weak, vulnerable (through his facial expression looking lost and confused) and somewhat supernatural himself. This is shown from the bright light and the shadow that is reflecting onto the main features of Cole’s face (eyes, nose, mouth and chin) leaving out his ears and hair. It is as almost he is a ghost himself, which explains the title ‘The Sixth Sense’ Cole has been given the extra power, to be able to have contact with the dead.